Socorro County
Job
Description
Job Title: Detention
Officer I Job
Code: 721
Division:
Operations Effective
Date: 04/15
Department: Detention Last
Revised:
GENERAL PURPOSE
Performs a variety of entry level law enforcement duties related to the security, safety,
order, operation and maintenance of county jail facilities, including
incarceration and detention of prisoners.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the close to general supervision of the
Corrections Captain, Sergeant or Detention Administrator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1.
Corrections: Receives ongoing on-the-job training; attends
academy training sessions receiving instruction in the duties,
responsibilities, liabilities and physical environment associated with the
correction officer functions; assists with processing of inmate grievances.
2.
Supervises
inmates in county jail in accordance with established policies, regulations and
procedures while assuming responsibility for all needs (physical, medical,
etc.) of the prisoners during detention; issues medications as prescribed by
physicians.
3.
Performs
various tasks associated with inmate admissions; books prisoners; reviews
offense status and classification (violent, non-violent, etc.) to determine
appropriate level of security and confinement; performs releases and required
by court order; conducts strip searches.
4.
Observes
conduct and behavior of inmates to prevent disturbances and escapes; searches
inmates and cells for contraband articles; patrols assigned areas for evidence
of forbidden activities, infractions of rules and unsatisfactory attitudes or
adjustment of prisoners, and reports observations to supervisor; performs
inmate supervision during recreation and meal periods.
5.
Inspects
locks, grills, doors and gates for tampering; conducts cell “shake-downs” and
inspections; employs various forms of discipline as needed to maintain order
among prisoners, if necessary.
6.
Supervises
prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prisons, work details, or other
points, traveling by automobile or public transportation as required; locks
prisoner(s) in cell after searching for weapons, valuables or drugs.
7.
Secures
all valuables and/or belongings and follows standard procedures designated for
the disposing or maintaining of the same; orders and serves meals to prisoners
and provides or obtains medical aid if needed; administers medication as
prescribed by doctor.
8.
Prepares
arrest records including reports, bookings, releases, fingerprinting and mug
shot photography (identifying the prisoner and charge against him/her); assists
in the maintenance of various records and information reporting materials and
data base.
9.
Supervises
trustees or prisoners on general work details inside and outside of jail;
performs general maintenance of jail facility and environs; repairs safety and
security devices; cleans and sanitizes cells; maintains inmate recreation area
and equipment.
10.
May
participate in extradition transports; moves inmates to and from various
interstate locations.
11.
Performs
other related duties as assigned.
Detention Officer I, page 2
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Education
and Experience:
A. Graduation from high school plus successful
completion of Academy training leading to the acquisition of a Correctional
Officer Certification;
AND
B. No experience necessary.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Some
knowledge of the
fundamentals of proper search and seizure; federal, state and local laws and
regulations related to jail activities; dispatch communication equipment; basic
principles of psychology and sociology; elementary first aid techniques and
procedures.
Ability
to
communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain
working relationships with inmates, the public and other departments; restrain
physically violent prisoners; react quickly to various situations under
conditions of stress.
3. Special Qualifications
Must have
successfully completed the Corrections Academy and be certified as a Correctional Officer.
Must work
on-call 24 hours.
Must
receive 40 hours annual training to maintain certification.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must possess a
valid New Mexico Driver’s License and undergo periodic State DMV license status
verification.
Must pass FEMA/NIMS and ICS
courses as required for the position, within a time frame designated by
administration
4. Work Environment:
Functions of the
position generally performed in a controlled environment. Occasional travel. Many functions of the work pose high degree
of hazard uncertainty. Physical
readiness and conditioning may be a condition of job retention. Various levels of mental application
required, i.e., memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating
thinking, creative problem solving.
Continuous use of motor skills. Periodic exposure to the presence of
blood borne or airborne pathogens.